1950s Era Lightwin - Tips on Resurrection?

[domagami]

Hi;

I'm just getting started with trying to bring a 1954 (I think) Lightwin back to life. I think it is a model 3014.

I don't see much here on engines this old so I'm not sure how much of ***istance any of the posts on 1960s era engines would be. Any idea if there are other posts here that might be useful?

If not, has anyone posted anything or seen anything that would be a good starting point to diagnose issues? For several years I read and posted on another forum regarding the Atomic 4 inboard engine, and there were a half a dozen 'must read' posts that we directed new users to before digging deeper into their issues. I'm wondering if there is something similar here.

At this point I'm just trying to get an initial firing to happen. It was frozen but after a lot of lubrication, dis-***embly, and encouragement the engine now pulls freely. Nothing will fire, but at least I know I have something I can get started with.

Any suggestions or directions would be most appreciated. Thanks to all for your contributions to the forum so far.

[Solarman]

Very old motor. If it has not run in such a long time, be wary of any grinding, or growling sounds if you do get it running.

You should start by inspecting what's under flywheel, it might have points and condensers on those early models. You'll need to clean them, or replace by matching them (not sure if can find them?). And, I think those earlier models ran on 25:1 oil / fuel mix.

Good luck.

[hoowahfun]

domagami,

I have a 3012 model motor which I believe is the same as yours. I believe that the 3012-3014 models are pretty much the same and made from 1952-1954.

Currently, my motor runs. I took it out for it's first test run on my 12' jon boat last weekend and it performed well for a 60 year old motor lol. I had to clean the carb pretty good since it was garbage on the inside. I think my dad left gas in it for 20 years or so before I got hold of it. I also had to clean the gas tank, fuel filter and the copper fuel line. I would keep the stone fuel filter, as I did on mine. I simply cleaned it well and put her back in.

After all that I thought I was good to go, but she still wouldn't fire. I realized that neither of my spark plugs had spark so I cleaned the points in the stator/magneto thing (whatever it's called) then it had spark. Then I made the mistake of putting the plug boots on backwards. After I got that sorted she ran.

If needed, I can give you start up instructions (carb settings, etc.).

[hoowahfun]

One other thing, the fuel mixture ratio is 16:1. The manual I have states that you should use SAE 30W oil. For the propeller housing I think it takes GX-90 hypoid gear oil. So far I've run about a tank and a half of gas through it with no issues.